British Conquest:Bengal

Who was the Diwan of Mughals during the reign of Aurangzeb?

Murishid kuli khan counted the coins and counted the coins well. He was also the go-to man for law and order.

In short, he was the Diwan, completely in charge of both the department, finance and law and order.

How do we know that Mughals believed in separation of powers?

Because they had Diwan, as well as the Nazim.

Administration was looked after by Nazim and Diwan, you already know.

But we will know later, that the lines were blurred , the roles mixed and the entire authority was concentrated in the hands of one person.

What blunder did Farukh siyar commit?

Farukh siyar gave away everything to Murshid Kuli Khan. Administration, finance and law and order in 1717. However , it could not be considered as a mistake because Murshid Kuli Khan handled the three departments really well.

Who succeeded Murshid Kuli Khan? And his reign spanned from

Murshid Kuli Khan wanted his grandson,Sarafarz khan to take over. But after his demise, his son in law, Shujauddin became the Nawab.

His reign lasted from 1727 to 1739.

After Shujauddin who became the Nawab?

After Shujauddin, Sarfaraz Khan became the Nawab but his rule did not last.

His rule spanned from 1739-1740.

Why did the rule of Sarfaraz Khan was so short?

Because he was killed by Ali wardi Khan in 1740.

Aliwardi khans rule lasted from

1740-1756

How did Ali wardi Khan manage the Marathas?

Marathas had a goal in mind. They wanted to establish Hind Swaraj, they wanted all the areas , starting from Atak to Cuttack to be under his control.

So they wanted odisha at all costs.

Ali wardi Khan was repeatedly harangued by Aurangzeb, and finally to placate him he had to pay him the Chauth of Odisha in 1751.

And the dream of Marathas was closer.

Hind raj.

After the death of Aliwardi Khan in 1756, who succeeded?

Siraj-ud-daulah.

There were three daughters of Aliwardi Khan, and they had one son each. So why did Aliwardi Khan choose Siraj Uddin daulah? And what were the consequences?

Siraj ud daulah used to accompany Ali wardi Khan to wards and he was actively engaged with his father in all the administrative tasks. He learnt a lot in the process and Siraj ud daulah found him fit for the position of Nawab.

Siraj ud daulah was an able Nawab. He excelled at almost everything, so a lot of people grew insecure of him.

Especially his Mausi. Ghaseeta Begum and his cousin, Shaukat Jung.

To add onto the woes of Siraj, Mir Jafar , his commander, Mehtab Chand , the Jagat Seth, Lutuf Raj, the commander in military, Ray durlav , the Diwan and Omi chand, the Merchant, all were against him.

So a lot of people were against him. Just bevase he excelled.

What were the problems between Siraj Ud daulah and British?

First, after receiving the Royal farman, it was only British who could carry out trade. Others were not allowed. But British gave the farman to other local traders, due tho which Bengal has to suffer losses.

And then was the issue of Gomasthas

They were the agent of the company who bought raw materials from the locals and sold ready made products in the market. They tortured and exploited the locals. This was brought to the knowledge of Siraj

There is more, there was a fugitive named Krishna das , who was given protection by British even after Siraj told them not to do so.

Last but not the least, when told to stop building forts, France listened but the British did not do so.

British was arrogant and Siraj did not like it.

This eventually led to Battle of Plassey in 1757 where British emerged victorious.

Mir Jafar betrayed the Nawab.

How do you know that British was arrogant?

Siraj ud daulah told to stop the fortifying activites. French listened.

Siraj ud daulah reiterate, please fill the pits you have dug with the same soil that you dug.

To this replied, British said “We will fill the pits indeed, but not with soil but with the heads of the soldiers of Mughal army”